Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Approximately 1,018 Acres of Property, Commonly Referred to as The Wild Horse Ranch Through the Trails, Open Space and Parks Program
Presenter:
Britt Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Body
Summary:
Since 1996, when the City's first Open Space Plan was adopted, the City of Colorado Springs has prioritized and worked to acquire property in and around the Corral Bluffs area for its special open space values. This item provides the opportunity for the TOPS program to make a large open space acquisition of approximately 1,018 acres of property "Property", which has been marketed as "Wild Horse Ranch". The Property appraised for a value of $7.5 million in October of 2022.
Background:
The 2014 Park System Master Plan ("Master Plan") identifies the Corral Bluffs area as an Open Space Candidate Area. In fact, this area has long been identified for land conservation in advance of development. It was first identified over 20 years ago in the 1996 City Open Space Plan and also in the 1997 El Paso County Open Space Master Plan. Beginning with a TOPS program purchase of the Case property in 2009, the Anderson property in 2010, the Kyle property in 2017, and the Bishop Ranch property in 2018, the Colorado Springs Utilities Jimmy Camp Connection properties in 2020 and the Greco inholding also in 2020, the TOPS Program has diligently and patiently worked to assemble adjoining property in this resource rich area.
The Master Plan also includes several goals that are supported by this proposal. First it provides enhanced open space opportunity on the City of Colorado Spring's east boundary, just as development is preparing to move forward under a revised and restated Banning Lewis Ranch annexation agreement intended to revitalize development on the adjoining 21,000 acres. Second it provides for enhanced partnership opportunities through our work with The Conservation Fund (TCF), who...
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